MaxPreps 2017 Texas preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: 2017 Early Contenders — No. 7 DeSoto
See who returns for the Eagles after their 2016 championship and 2017 No. 7 ranking.


1. DeSoto
2016 record: 16-0
Head coach: Todd Peterman

DeSoto did something it never had in 2016 — win a state championship. Despite losing some key pieces led by 2016 Texas Gatorade Football Player of the Year in Shawn Robinson, the Eagles return some big-time players in 2017.

Courtney Douglas takes over at quarterback and has been waiting for his chance to shine sitting behind Tristen Wallace and Robinson the past few years. BJ Hanspard Jr., Kelan Walker, Gemon Green and German Green help fill out one of the most talented teams from Texas.
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2. Allen
2016 record: 14-1
Head coach: Terry Gambill

This could be the year Allen wins its first state title since Kyler Murray led the Eagles to three straight from 2012-14.

The Eagles haven't lost a regular season game since 2012 and have made the UIL state semifinals the past five consecutive seasons.

They are loaded on offense and have one of the best trios in the state with Grant Tisdale under center, Brock Sturges at running back and 5-star wide receiver Theo Wease on the outside.

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3. Steele (Cibolo)
2016 record: 14-2
Head coach: David Saenz

Cibolo Steele was one win away from winning its first state championship since 2010 but lost to Shawn Robinson and DeSoto in the 6A-II UIL final.

The Knights will have a new head coach in David Saenz and quarterback in 2017 but luckily 2018 Texas commit Caden Sterns will make life easier for both parties. The 4-star safety checks in as the No. 31 recruit overall in the Class of 2018 and is one of the best all-around players in the country. Expect him to make plays on defense, offense and special teams.

Expect Brenden Brady to play a huge role on offense — he rushed for nearly 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior.

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4. Katy
2016 record: 10-3
Head coach: Gary Joseph

Katy was playing its best football of the season toward the end of 2016, but that all changed when Deondrick Glass got hurt in the playoffs.

He missed the North Shore game in the third round of the 6A-I UIL playoffs. The Tigers lost 20-17 and had their nine-game winning streak snapped. Expect big things from Katy and Glass in 2017.

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5. Ryan (Denton)
2016 record: 14-1
Head coach: Dave Henigan

Denton Ryan returns most of its key players from a 14-1 team that saw it fall by seven points in the 5A-I UIL state semifinals to eventual state champ Highland Park.

The trio of 4-star quarterback Spencer Sanders, along with Gabriel Dougals and Chritauskie Dove at wide receiver, should give the Raiders one of the best offenses in all of Texas in 2017.